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Group visits

We love to welcome groups, small and large. We can offer tailored packages to suit your interests.

Group visit times

Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5pm
Sunday 1pm – 3pm  (Group visits on Sundays are unguided)

Pre-booking is essential.

Evening group visits can be scheduled after hours, subject to availability. This can include optional fine dining with bespoke menus to suit any occasion.

 

Group rates

Cathedral visit

  • Groups of 12 or more people: £5 per person
  • Private tours for 1-11 people: £50 fee
  • University or Higher Education students: £3.50 per undergraduate, £5 per postgraduate

Joint Cathedral visit and Open Treasure exhibition

  • Groups of 12 or more people: £10 per person
  • Private groups of 1-11 people: £50 fee plus additional £5 per person
  • University or Higher Education students: £7 per undergraduate, £10 per postgraduate

Catering options

We can offer a range of catering choices such as lunch or cream tea and scones after your tour.

These are served to your group in the medieval Prior’s Hall, formerly the Prior’s dining room when the Cathedral was a monastery. This is not usually open to the public and is subject to availability.

Groups are also welcome to visit the Undercroft Restaurant on an individual basis for homemade refreshments.

Sample packages

Free-flow Cathedral visit

This group package includes a self-guide leaflet available in a variety of languages for an unguided free-flow visit.

Cathedral guided tour

Our knowledgeable, friendly guides will show you around the Cathedral, pointing out hidden gems and fascinating stories about this magnificent building. Cathedral tours last one hour.

Open Treasure

Be sure to include a visit to our state-of-the-art Open Treasure exhibition. Marvel at the spectacular 14th century Monks’ Dormitory and magnificent Great Kitchen housing the unique Treasures of St Cuthbert. Visits to Open Treasure are free-flow for visitors to view at their own pace.

Bespoke tours

Tours and talks are also available on special interest subjects.  These can include behind the scenes tours or special viewings for an additional supplement.  

  • Northern Saints
  • Pilgrimage Tour
  • Stained Glass Windows
  • Embroidery and Textiles
  • Architecture
  • Antiquarian and Early Printed Books of the Cathedral Library
  • History of Cathedral Music
  • Decorative Art in the Cathedral
  • The Art of the Woodcarver

 

The Chapter House

See where the monks transacted daily business including reading a ‘chapter’ of the monastic rule. For Harry Potter fans, the Chapter House was used as Professor McGonagall’s classroom together with the Cloister in the first two films. 

Not usually open to the public, subject to availability and additional charges apply.  

North West Tower tours

Climb the North West Tower to view this UNESCO World Heritage Site and Durham City from above. See the roof, masonry and exterior of the Central Tower up close.

Subject to availability, restrictions and additional charges apply.    

Evening tours

For a unique experience, after-hours evening tours can be arranged at 6.30pm, once the Cathedral is closed to the public.

Packages can be created to include a private reception and evening dinner in the vaulted Undercroft Restaurant, with menus to suit accompanied by a range of wines and Durham Brewery beers.

Subject to availability and additional charges apply.  

Private organ recital

Add a special touch to your visit with a private organ recital, with visitors seated in the 17th century carved wooden choir stalls in the Quire, the heart of the Church.

Subject to availability and additional charges apply.  

Worship and private chapel service

Private prayer and reflection can be included as part of your visit in the 13th century vaulted Chapel of the Holy Cross, a tranquil chapel underneath the Deanery.

Subject to availability and additional charges apply.   

Groups are always to welcome to join in any of our regular services.

Cloister, Cathedral Shop and Durham Cathedral in LEGO®

Take time to explore our Cloister at the centre of the most intact surviving medieval monastic buildings in the UK. It leads to the Undercroft Foyer, housing the Undercroft Restaurant and the Cathedral Shop, which stocks a wide range of books and unique gifts.

You will also be able to see Durham Cathedral in LEGO®, an incredible model which includes almost 300,000 LEGO bricks.

Further information and booking

How to book

We are a working Cathedral. So you can get the most from your visit, please pre-book so we can advise of services or events that might be taking place.

Please complete and return a booking request form either online or by downloadable form.

Download our Group Visit leaflet (PDF) to share with your group.

Bookings are all subject to availability and are not secured until confirmed by Durham Cathedral.

For further information or to discuss your booking please contact our Group Travel Officer by emailing visits@durhamcathedral.co.uk or calling 0191 374 4050

Payment

You will need to pay on arrival at the Visitor Desk inside the Cathedral. This needs to be one payment for the whole group by cash, debit/credit card or cheque (made payable to Durham Cathedral). You can pay by invoice if arranged in advance. Minimum numbers or charges apply.

Accessibility

Most of the Cathedral is accessible, however as an historic building there are some uneven floors and certain areas are limited. Open Treasure is fully accessible. Wheelchairs are available on request and assistance dogs are welcome.

If you need any extra help or advice please let us know in advance. You might also wish to look at our Accessibility page.

Getting here

Durham is west of the A1(M) and east of the A167 in North East England. Durham’s narrow streets mean there is restricted vehicular access to the Cathedral with no coaches and no parking. Free coach parking is available at the City Centre Coach Park (postcode DH1 1SQ).

Durham County Council provides a public shuttle bus service from the Coach Park and the Market Place to the Cathedral. An all-day ticket can be bought on board. There are more details on our Getting here page, including maps.

A region of delights

We are proud to be part of Discover Durham, promoting the city, countryside and coast of Durham as an exciting group travel destination. Please take a look at our Other Durham highlights page for more details.

Photography policy

Photography is not permitted in the Open Treasure exhibition. It is also not allowed inside the Cathedral as it is a sacred place for people to pray and visit undisturbed. Photographs may be taken outside and in the Cloister.

There are also many postcards, prints and books available to buy in the Cathedral Shop. You might also wish to look at our Photography policy page.

Have more questions?

We would be happy to discuss your requirements further to arrange a visit to suit your group. Please contact our Group Travel Officer by emailing visits@durhamcathedral.co.uk or calling 0191 374 4050.